Subcategories

Known Synonyms

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are used to reduce heat and friction in industrial machining and grinding operations. MWFs may be complex mixtures of oils, emulsifiers, anti-weld agents, corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, buffers (alkaline reserve), biocides, and other additives. When used these oils may become contaminated with swarf, tramp oil, hydraulic fluid and other such manufacturing by-products. Water based MWFs support microbial growth and require biocides, both of which can cause occupational asthma. This array of potential sensitisers can make it very difficult to pin point a specific cause of disease from MWFs. Exposures to MWFs can cause occupational bronchitis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, humdifier fever and occupational asthma.

We investigated Europe's largest reported outbreak of respiratory disease due to MWFs, at a factory manufacturing engines. The ratio of disease within the plant as a whole was 12.1% (95% Confidence interval 10% to 14.5%).

Several preventative measures are available to reduce MWF exposure, mainly extraction of the oil mist and covering / enclosing machinery.

Oasys Notifications for Metal Working Fluid

The Oasys Audit scheme started midway through 2010 and collects agents typed in through the Oasys program. The years before 2010 show old data entered during 2010 or later and are likely to have many fewer notifications. We expect Oasys to become more widely adopted as time goes by so increasing notifications does not necessarily mean an increasing problem.